Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that forms whenever you burn fuel like propane, natural gas, gasoline, oil, coal and wood. Because it is colourless, odourless and tasteless, it can't be detected without a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide can cause health problems before people even notice it is present.
When you inhale carbon monoxide, it reduces your body's ability to carry oxygen in your blood. The health effects can be very serious.
Exposure to low levels of CO may cause:
- headaches
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- flu-like symptoms
- impaired motor functions (like difficulty walking or problems with balance)
At high levels, or if you are exposed to low levels for long periods of time, symptoms may include:
- dizziness
- chest pain
- poor vision
- difficulty thinking
At very high levels, CO exposure can cause:
Sources of CO include furnaces, water heaters/boilers, wood stoves, and other appliances that run on fuels. If these devices are improperly installed or malfunction, they can release CO into your home.
Other sources of CO include:
- exhaust fumes from vehicles or other gas-powered equipment, like lawnmowers, snow blowers, and power generators, used indoors or in your attached garage
- chimneys that are blocked or dirty
- fuel-burning cooking appliances, like propane, natural gas or charcoal grills
- tobacco smoke
Take these steps to protect your family from exposure to CO in your home.
- Put CO detectors in hallways outside bedrooms where you can hear them.
- Choose CO detectors that are certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC).
- Follow the manufacturer's directions for installing, testing and replacing detectors. Store the manual in a handy place.
- If your CO alarm sounds, leave your home right away. Call local authorities (9-1-1) and do not go back home until a professional has fixed the problem.
- Keep in mind that CO detectors and smoke detectors have different purposes. You need both to stay safe.
CO detectors are designed to prevent immediate carbon monoxide poisoning. A carbon monoxide detector is not a substitute for proper installation and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances.
